For the return of ground-effects at first of 2022, Pink Bull (downwash), Ferrari (in-wash) and Mercedes (size-zero) all developed radically totally different sidepod designs.
With Pink Bull rising because the dominant pressure, it left many to suppose that sidepods are the figuring out consider automobile efficiency. As such, questions have been requested of Mercedes for it not converging across the Pink Bull design sooner to enhance its type.
However with engineers estimating that prime surfaces now solely comprise 40% of the automobile’s aerodynamic capacity and the remainder comes from underfloor aero, Russell has defended Mercedes’ replace technique saying that the upturn final week in Barcelona was not solely right down to the sidepods.
When requested by Sky Sports activities F1 why the crew had not modified its aerodynamic philosophy sooner, the third-place finisher mentioned: “It’s not the sidepods what make the distinction. It could be an element, however the magic isn’t within the sidepods.
“We introduced that design to the automobile to sort of rule it out, the sidepods. The magic was performed beneath the automobile, on the ground. That’s the identical for each single crew.”
Following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna GP final month attributable to flooding, Mercedes introduced its first main improve package deal of the season to Monaco. There, the W14 gained its new bodywork, revised ground and entrance suspension configuration.
Additional modifications additionally made their debut in Spain, with the diffuser modified most notably.
George Russell, Mercedes F1 W14
Photograph by: Jake Grant / Motorsport Images
Russell joked that runaway Spanish GP victor Max Verstappen would nonetheless be able to successful the race by 24 seconds even when the RB19 turned up with no sidepods in any respect.
He continued: “I’m certain Pink Bull may put no sidepods on their automobile and nonetheless be the quickest.
“It is a little bit bit extra advanced than that however however, actually proud of the work the crew have performed and the validation that the steps we’ve made are steps in the proper course.”
Whereas Russell acknowledged that Verstappen was nonetheless properly forward, he added that Mercedes’ latest progress meant “our sights are on victory”.
He added: “I undoubtedly had confidence that we may transfer ahead [at Barcelona]. The race tempo was actually sturdy this weekend with these updates.
“I used to be very disenchanted with the qualifying outcome [12th] however I believe it’s proof that you just simply must carry on believing. It was a brand new day, new alternatives on the market.
“We ticked all of the containers. The automobile was quick, good overtakes – a very pleasant race.”
